syntagma square athenssyntagma square athens

}, { Syntagma Square is a hub for many forms of public transportation in Athens and is one of the busiest transport hubs in Greece. [6], Portion of the Peisistratian aqueduct on display at Syntagma square, Syntagma Square and George I Street, circa 1900, Crowd celebrates the liberation from the Axis Powers (October 1944), Pallis mansion (arch. Well maybe not better than ever. Syntagma Square is the most central area in Athens Greece. ", Syntagma Square Central Athens, northeast of the Acropolis. The best thing you can do here is watching the Parliament guard change, take some pics and that's it. A really impressive building and if you go closer and see through the glass door, it also has an impressive patio inside. Social Media Lets find out! Celebrities usually stay in this historic landmark. Syntagma Square Athens/Syntagma Square Restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes are also located here. Syntagma Square In 2000, Syntagma Metro Station opened to the public. As a result, in an unprecedented move, teams of archeologists worked alongside the metro engineers for years, in what became not only Athens first subway, but also the largest archeological excavation in the citys history. Hotel Grande Bretagne (1, Vasileos Georgiou Avenue): if you are not on a budget, try this luxurious 5star hotel offering an amazing view of the Acropolis from its balconies. But sights like the Parliament and the National Garden are also located here. Syntagma Square is also known as Constitution Square, as it is where the Athenians rose up against King Otto of Greece on 3 September 1843 to demand a constitution. The Athens airport is 32 km (20 miles) from Syntagma Square. Syntagma Square The location for the royal palace, which later became the Parliament building, was chosen by the Munich Academy of Arts and the official architect of the Bavarian court, Friedrich von Gaertner (1791-1847), who also built the structure. Recommended for: Boutique, Central location. One of the coolest ways to go sightseeing in Athens is catching this red toy-like street train leaving from Syntagma Square and driving you around the city center. Ask any Athenian, and they will tell you that Syntagma Square is the very heart of Athens. Upload your best photos of Greece and interact with other Greeka members! Today, a part of them is displayed in the metro station "Syntagma". For a longer stay, it is best to choose a 5Days Ticket costing 9 euro (airport rides are not included). If you are looking for a luxury hotel in the heart of the city, you cant go wrong with either of them! [1] The square is named after the Constitution that Otto, the first King of Greece, was obliged to grant after a popular and military uprising on 3 September 1843. No matter where you have to go in Athens, if you can find Syntagma Square you can find your way there. It is the perfect activity for the first day of your family trip so that youll be able to get an overview of the city and come back to visit your favorite attractions in the following days. Syntagma Square is also known as Constitution Square, as it is where the Athenians rose up against King Otto of Greece on 3 September 1843 to demand a constitution. At 11 am on Sundays, there is a ceremonial changing of the Guards. The metro usually takes about 40 minutes, whereas a taxi ride can take anywhere from 30 - 60 minutes." The former was the luxurious home of economist and politician Stefanos Skouloudis, who had served as prime minister from 1915 to 1916. However at Syntagma theyve done even more. Detailed Guide to Syntagma Square We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Thousands of Athenians pass by on a daily basis. The street starts at Syntagma Square, cuts through Monastiraki Square, and ends in the Gazi area. Syntagma Square Shopping & Gastronomy I know that most people are headed to Omonoia, but this is a very dangerous spot of Athens, so better avoid it, especially at night. "@type": "Question", Written September 23, 2021. During the night of the 3rd September 1843, a demonstration started right in front of the Palace. Another uprising happened on 10th October 1862. Since then, it has been hosting Parliamentary sessions. Museum of Greek Folk Art (383 m) Syntagma Square is located in the center of Athens. Understand []. Another popular attraction in Plaka is the Anafiotika,located on the northernmost slope of the hill of the Acropolis. Its central fountain and statues with the Parliament building in the background, make it an easily recognizable sight, topped only of course by the Acropolis. The square is located near many of Athens' oldest and most famous neighbourhoods and tourist attractions, all within walking distance: Historic churches also dot the area, some dating from the Middle Ages. The Acropolis is about 1.3 kms (0.8 miles) from Syntagma Square. Im Chrysoula, born and raised in Athens, Greece. They remain stationary and silent for one hour, and the guards change every hour. Greek Culture, Travel Information, Itineraries, Life in Greece. It is bustling there during all hours of the day, seven days a week, making it a great spot for sightseeing in central Athens. WebSyntagma Square is the most famous in Athens if not all of Greece. See. "@type": "Answer", Since the day of this important historical event, Palace Square was renamed to Syntagma Square. The Parliament was once the Royal Palace and it was designed by the German architect Von Gartner in an elevated position above the square to underline the importance of the monarchy. WebSyntagma Square (Plateia Syntagmatos, pronounced SYN-tag-mah) is the pulsating heart of the modern city of Athens, composed of the actual square together with the surrounding streets, open areas and assemblage of grand buildings that include banks, offices, top hotels and the old Royal Palace - now the Greek Parliament building.. Syntagma square in Athens is a true nerve center for the Greek capital city. Sculpted by Fokion Rok between 1930 and 1932 before the royal palace became the Greek Parliament building ,the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was an initiative of dictator Theodoros Pangalos in 1926. Syntagma Square andthree quarters of a mile to the northOmonoia Square, are completely intertwined with the history of the city and Greece in general from the King Otto reign (1832-1862) until today. Foreign visitors can visit the Hellenic Parliament for free. Best subway I've used in Europe, large clean trains, security people and timetables every 5 min. Read this guide to Syntagma Square in Athens to find out what attractions the historic square has to offer. As the Palace was under construction, they lived in a smaller neoclassical building, which is currently home to the Athens City Museum. Over the years, many famous people (Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, etc.) On December 3, 1944, less than two months after the countrys liberation from the Nazis, police shot at Greek Peoples Liberation Army (EAM) demonstrators at Syntagma Square, thus starting almost two months of fighting in Athens, the so-called Dekemvriana. In 2011, Syntagma Square hosted the anti-austerity movement of Aganaktismenoi, similar to the Spanish Indignados. Visitors can stroll along the shopping street and discover all sorts of stores, designer stores and boutiques. The whole area around Syntagma Square is very popular among tourists since there are a lot of public transports, shops, attractions, restaurants, and cafs. Bus and tramway stops can also be found only a few steps away from the square. Soon after, Queen Amalia started designing a large garden next to the grounds of the Palace. In the place of Athens Plaza was the house of Ioannis Vouros, and on the ground floor the historical Zacharatos Cafe-Patisserie operated from 1895 to 1963. Numismatic Museum of Athens (243 m) The caf on the roof is a great meeting place which also offers a panoramic view of Athens iconic square. "acceptedAnswer": { Its rooftop bar is a fantastic place for beautiful views of Athens. The ceremony of the traditionally dressed guards, who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament building, takes place every hour. WebSyntagma Square is the most famous in Athens if not all of Greece. Syntagma Square ( Greek: , pronounced [platia sindamatos], "Constitution Square") is the central square of Athens. The square was commissioned in 1834 when King Otto decided to make Athens the capital of the modern Greek state instead of Nafplio. Fun fact: the various political parties in Greece are assigned seating areas according to their views. Have a look at this article as well! Syntagma also includes two green areas to the north and south, planted with shade trees, while in the centre of the square there is a large mid-19th century water fountain. Syntagma Square It's adorned with a nice (but not well maintained) park in the middle and the imposing Neo-classic Parliament edifice dominating. The Syntagma is the main central square in Athens. Credit: Public Domain Syntagma Square has literally been the very heart of Athens ever since the city became the capital of the modern Greek state, and [3] The eastern side of the square is higher than the western, and dominated by a set of marble steps leading to Amalias Avenue; beneath these lies the Syntagma metro station. The beautiful neoclassical building was completed in 1843. "text": "The Athens airport is 32 km (20 miles) from Syntagma Square. The side streets are full of shops selling all sorts of stuff. It is close to the center of local nightlife, but it is also convectively located on a side street that guarantees peace and silence at night! Syntagma Square is the most important square of modern Athens from both a historical and social point of view, at the heart of commercial activity and Greek politics. One can linger nicely and observe the colorful hustle and bustle that always prevails here. ", The members of the Presidential Guard are called Evzones and they are dressed in elaborate uniforms. At the time, Athens had no more than 5,000-10,000 people. Although the imposing building itself is well worth seeing, it hides another Athenian attraction that is considered the highlight of the square: the changing of the guard of the Evzones. Its rooms and suites have a modern style. Syntagma Square Right below Acropolis Hill lies the oldest neighborhood in Athens, founded when the city had a total population of 7,000. Athens That's the good thing with Athens: most places you have to see are only a short walk away one from the other. Beginning in the middle of the 19th century, the construction of impressive mansions, luxury hotels, and cafes around the square gave it a true cosmopolitan flavor. He holds a circular shield in his left hand and wears an ancient Greek-style helmet. You might not know that it is also a sort of museum that is worth spending a little more time: you can see some archeological remains exhibited in several display cases along the way! Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions: Syntagma Square is right in the center of Athens, close to the Acropolis, Plaka and Monastiraki. The square is bordered by Amalia Avenue (Leofros Amalas) to the east, Otto Street (thonos) to the south and King George I Street (Vasilos Georgou Prtou) to the north. Syntagma Square has literally been the very heart of Athens ever since the city became the capital of the modern Greek state, and its the perfect central location for sightseeing. It is a popular meeting place, close to some of the main shopping streets in the center, and also a common place for demonstrations and gatherings." The old palace building was gradually renovated over the years, becoming the seat of the Senate and the Council of State, along with the National Library, in 1934. [1] The square is named after the Constitution that Otto, the first King of Greece, was obliged to grant after a popular and military uprising on 3 September 1843. In the later part of the 20th century, the face of Syntagma Square changed drastically, and the mansions were replaced by concrete-and-glass modern office buildings housing state agencies and businesses. Athens Syntagma Right next to the parliament building and Syntagma Square lies Greeces National Garden which, together with the Zappeion Hall Garden, includes 24 hectares full of rare kinds of flowers and other plants, as well as trees. "name": "Why is the Syntagma Square important? English-language guided tours are held every Friday and Monday at 3:00 PM during the months of June, July, and September. }, { Syntagma Square Travel between Syntagma Square and the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is available via the special airport bus line X95 and metro line 3. Sitting in Syntagma Square offers a beautiful view both during the day and night and there are always many people coming and going. 2023 Atlas Obscura. http://www.urbanrail.net/eu/gr/athens/tram/athens-tram.htm. Subsequently, Otto and Amalia were exiled from Greece, and King George came into power. See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. There are exits in front of the Parliament and the National Gardens, in front of the Grande Bretagne, and right on the square. In recent years, close to one million people protested regarding the Macedonia naming issue at the square. Syntagma Square (Plateia Syntagmatos, pronounced SYN-tag-mah) is the pulsating heart of the modern city of Athens, composed of the actual square together with the surrounding streets, open areas and assemblage of grand buildings that include banks, offices, top hotels and the old Royal Palace - now the Greek Parliament building.. A taxi from Syntagma Square to Piraeus port should cost around 12-14 euro. Syntagma Square is perfect for sightseeing in Athens. Moreover, since it is located in the center of Athens, with nightlife destinations such as Plaka and Kolonaki within easy reach, it is an ideal place to stay when traveling to Athens. The names of battles where many Greek lives were lost in recent history are inscribed into the beautiful, cream-colored limestone walls around the sculpture. As its right in the center and is so easily accessible, Syntagma Square is an easy meeting point. "@type": "Question", You will find dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars located close to Syntagma Square. This ritual always attracts large crowds of tourists thanks to the solemn movements and the traditional costumes of the guards (red hat with a long black tassel, shirt with wide sleeves, skirt and black shoes with big pom-poms). Syntagma Square The sculpture represents a nude male figure of a dead warrior lying on the ground. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. In addition, Syntagma Square is a popular venue that attracts especially at Christmas with its Christmas market. Most museums in Athens are open until the early evening, and (depending on the time of year you are here) the ancient sites remain open until late in the evening. Even now, all protest rallies in Athens tend to terminate there with Greeks shouting angry slogans toward the Parliament building. [1] The square is named after the Constitution that Otto, the first King of Greece, was obliged to grant after a popular and military uprising on 3 September 1843. Where to eat? Queen Amalia, the wife of King Otto, was so smitten with her garden that she is said to have spent at least three hours a day personally taking care of it. From there, you can also walk your way through the main districts of Athens, like Plaka and Monastiraki, and enjoy some local nightlife in the surrounding streets. Syntagma metro station is a great start for your wanderings through the city, since metro line 2 and 3 converge there, as well as some surface tram lines. The demolition of the glorious Negrepontis Palace at the junction of Amalia Avenue and Othonos Street in 1959 was characterized as a crime by architects. Hello, Get a map of the metro here. For several months, people who had been affected by the crisis were gathering here as a means of protest against the Greek politics. The square is inextricably linked to the historical events taking place in Greece over the centuriesa place of demonstrations, social upheavals, and protest demonstrations starting from September 3, 1843 through to today. Since it is a major transportation hub, the easiest way to reach it is by public transport. Since Syntagma Square is in the city centre, visitors cross the square to get to most of the citys attractions. Today, next to the Grande Bretagne, two other luxury hotels, the King George and Athens Plaza, overlook Syntagma Square. However, the name of Palace Square changed the same year the construction of the royal palace was completed. Check here,more beautiful squares around Athens. Have a look at this article! From the airport to the city center: if you plan to get to Athens by plane, just catch the metro line number 3 to reach Syntagma Square in about 40 minutes. They are representative of Ancient Athens and Ancient Greece. Keynote speaker in the rally was Greeces iconic composer Mikis Theodorakis, who gave an emotional speech about Macedonia. "acceptedAnswer": { FIND THE BEST TOURS IN ATHENS! Syntagma Square is perfect for sightseeing in Athens. Syntagma Square (meaning Constitution Square in Greek) is Athens main square. The best thing you can do here is watching the Parliament guard change, take some pics and that's it. Syntagma Square, Athens The stairs emerge below between a pair of outdoor cafes, and are a popular city-centre gathering place. The big winner of the indignant movement that was cultivated at Syntagma Square was the leftist SYRIZA party that came to power in January 2015, the first party of the Left to govern Greece. "name": "How far is it to walk to the Acropolis from Syntagma Square? The Evzones, dressed in the resplendent traditional national uniform, are the presidential guards who also serve as the protectors of the monument. The rooms are chic and luxurious and provide all kinds of amenities. Where is Syntagma Square Athens Ask any Athenian, and they will tell you that Syntagma Square is the very heart of Athens. In the area around Syntagma Square you can find many hotels that belong to an upscale price category. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience and to analyze site traffic. Syntagma Square Bustling with life, the square faces the Greek Parliament, the impressive palace that used to be the residence of King Otto. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). The very first Athenian homes were built here; amazingly, the very first house ever to be built in Athens is preserved and displayed on Adrianou Street. Syntagma Square Its one of the busiest metro stations in the city, where the blue and red metro line meet. You just need to reserve in advance. The heart of the Greek Capital is Syntagma Square (meaning Constitution Square). Taking just a few steps into the garden allows one to completely escape the craziness of the city. The metro usually takes about 40 minutes, whereas a taxi ride can take anywhere from 30 60 minutes. To reach the beaches: if you stay close to Syntagma Square, youll also be able to enjoy a day trip to the beach thanks to the Athens Coastal Tram serving the southern suburbs. Inside the metro station, you will find an exhibition of objects that were discovered in the construction site. National Garden in Athens (334 m) Catch the T3 line heading to Voula and take some pictures of the coast dung the entire 1h ride. WebSyntagma Athens: Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) is the heart of modern Athens and the city's most popular meeting point. An idyllic retreat, on the other hand, is offered by the nearby National Garden. Today, the building has thankfully been restored and houses Public, a multi-story technology store that also sells books, CDs, toys, and gadgets. On Sundays, the soldiers are dressed in the traditional uniforms of the 1821 Greek freedom fighters. The palace was designed by Bavarian architect Friedrich von Grtner for King Otto of Greece with funds donated by Ottos father, King Ludwig I of Bavaria. "@type": "Question", The square was commissioned in 1834 when King Otto decided to make Athens the capital of the modern Greek state instead of Nafplio. The Syntagma Square is also famous for the popular shopping street Ermou, which starts here and is a must for all shopping fans. It is accessible from all sides. In 1934, the royal palace was turned over to the Greek Parliament, and ever since that time, Syntagma Squarehas been the place where all public protests and demonstrations have taken place. Thus, the square's first name was "Palace Square". The square was designed and constructed in the early 19th century, shortly after King Otto moved the capital of the newly born Greek Kingdom from Nafplio to Athens in 1834. Next time you step off the train, take a moment to have a tour of the station before getting to the surface! The distance to every town in Greece is measured in terms of how far it is from Syntagma Square. Grtner designed an austere, functional, and compact building which respects the heritage of ancient Athens in keeping with the ideas of urban classicism. During the week, they wear the more modern version of this outfit. Social Media Indeed Syntagma is the centre of Athens. To get to Piraeus: you can catch the metro or the X80 Express bus from Syntagma Square and reach the port in about 30 minutes either way. Syntagma Square Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Every hour, the changing of the guard ceremony, performed by the Presidential Guard, is conducted in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the area between the Syntagma Square and Parliament building. Discover the impact of Ancient Greece in today's modern-day culture by connecting the dots between legendary landmarks, such as the Oracle of Delphi, and local traditions still found today. Among the many stops of the train, you should definitely take a closer look at the Acropolis, the Zappeion, the Theater of Erodes Atticus, and the Hadrian Arch. Although it is full of packed tavernas and coffee shops, the area has a unique calm, as if visitors are unconsciously in awe of stepping on the very ground where Western Civilization itself was born. One of the greatest collections of coins in the world is housed in the former mansion of an archeological pioneer. It is delimited by Amalias and Vassileos Georgiou Avenue, and Stadiou and Othonos Streets. [2] The headquarter of Greek politics overlooks the huge Syntagma square and this building marks the birth of the modern Country. The main thoroughfares of this area are Pandrossou Street and Adrianou Street. Voulis street and Nikis street are also good places to go for a meal or drink. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ab7e520627c670d91f9861fc770c90fc" );document.getElementById("if34fc3a20").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Syntagma square in Athens is a true nerve center for the Greek capital city. WebSyntagma Square (Plateia Syntagmatos, pronounced SYN-tag-mah) is the pulsating heart of the modern city of Athens, composed of the actual square together with the surrounding streets, open areas and assemblage of grand buildings that include banks, offices, top hotels and the old Royal Palace - now the Greek Parliament building.. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Right on Syntagma Square, you will see one of the most emblematic hotels in Greece, Hotel Grande Bretagne. A visit to the Syntagma Metro Station Archaeological Collection is a must. Syntagma Square is also known as Constitution Square, as it is where the Athenians rose up against King Otto of Greece on 3 September 1843 to demand a constitution. The monument of the Unknown Soldier stands in front of the Parliament and it is dedicated to the Greek soldiers who died for their Country. Information For 2023. Here is everything you need to know about Syntagma Square, including its recent history and all its main attractions. At the corner of Ermou Street and Syntagma Square there once was the Andreas Koromilas Mansion, as well, a two-story building that would have had another story if Queen Amalia had not asked the owner to stop construction so that it would not obstruct her view of the sea. The members of the royal family lived in this neoclassical building until 1924 when the monarchy was finally abolished. The origins of the actual square are 10 years older: in 1834, King Otto chose Athens as the capital of the Country instead of Napflio, and, for this reason, he commissioned a huge square and a royal palace. A one-way ticket is sufficient for the 16-minute ride to the "Monastiraki" station. Understand []. Syntagma Square is the most famous in Athens if not all of Greece. 3. The Dekemvriana battles between the British and Greek army against the communist guerillas of EAM cost many lives and destruction of several buildings in the capital. "mainEntity": [{ [2] On one of the sides of Syntagma Square is the grandiose Hotel Grande Bretagne. Greeka team and its community members will be delighted to help you! There is also a beautiful marble fountain in the middle of the lower part of the square, which is illuminated at night. In 1922, the history of the palace changed. Omonoia (Concord) Square, although initially of a bourgeois nature with luxurious cafes and nightclubs where partiers and bohemian types would gather, later became the hangout of provincials, loafers, laborers, and today, migrants. It is usually one of the liveliest arteries in Athens. The National Garden, formerly known as the Royal Garden, began to take its current form during the reign of King Otto (1832 1862) and was the brainchild of Queen Amalia. Government agencies and international organizations were now housed there, coordinating the work generated by the complex issues of the Asia Minor Catastrophe and the attendant influx of refugees. From 1935 until today, the building has housed the Greek Parliament. It is walking distance from several attractions, such as the Acropolis of Athens, the Ancient Agora, Anafiotika and the temple of Olympian Zeus. The ruins of a stone tower with alleged (but unlikely) Roman origins. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. The election rallies of PASOK in the 1980s became legendary for the number of people attending. Do you like If you have any questions about Syntagma Square or any place in Athens leave a comment down below! At the same time, historical circumstances allowed its new uses. Vasilisis Amalias. Iconic landmarks Queen Amalia was so smitten with her garden that she is said to have spent at least three hours a day personally tending to it. Tourists can see the changing of the guard every hour on the dot, but the most splendid ceremony takes place on Sundays at 10am. Syntagma Square Understand [].